How to Create a Quadrant Chart in Tableau

A quadrant chart is a scatter plot that is divided into four sections. Quadrant charts can be useful for plotting data that has a high volume of different results. By visually representing the data in separate quadrants, you can quickly find the set of items that share common traits or attributes.
You can create a quadrant chart using Tableau Desktop in one of two ways —by creating scatter plots or defining dynamic quadrants using parameters.

Option 1: Create a scatter plot

Create a matrix of scatter plots. For more information, see Building Scatter Plots in Tableau Desktop Help.

Option 2: Define dynamic quadrants using parameters

Step 1: Set up the view

  1. In Tableau Desktop, connect to your data. This example uses the Sample - Superstore data source.
  2. Drag Profit to the Columns shelf.
  3. Drag Sales to the Rows shelf.
  4. Drag Ship Mode to Detail on the Marks card.

Step 2: Create parameters

  1. Right-click (control-click on a Mac) in the Data pane, and then select Create Parameter.
  2. In the Create Parameter dialog box, do the following, and then click OK:
    • Name the parameter. For this example, the parameter is named Profit Parameter.
    • For Data Type, select Float.
    • For Display format, select Automatic.
    • For Allowable values, select All.
    • For Current value, enter 95000.
  3. Right-click the Data pane, and then select Create Parameter.
  4. In the Create Parameter dialog box, do the following, and then click OK:
    • Name the parameter. For this example, the parameter is named Sales Parameter.
    • For Data Type, select Float.
    • For Current value, enter 700,000.
    • For Display format, select Automatic.
    • For Allowable values, select All.

Step 3: Add reference lines that position the quadrant lines

  1. Right-click on the y-axis, and then select Add Reference Line.
  2. In the Add Reference Line dialog box, do the following, and then click OK:
    • For Scope, select Entire Table.
    • For Value, select Constant, and then enter 700,000.
    • For Label, select None.
  3. Right-click on the x-axis, and then select Add Reference Line.
  4. In the Add Reference Line dialog box, do the following, and then click OK:
    • For Scope, select Entire Table.
    • For Value, select Constant, and then enter 95,000.
    • For Label, select None.

Step 4: Create a calculated field that defines a different color for each quadrant

  1. Select Analysis > Create Calculated Field.
  2. In the dialog box, do the following and then click OK:
    • Name the calculated field. For this example, the calculated field is named Identify Quadrant.
    • In the formula area, type a calculation that looks similar to the following:
      IF Sum([Sales]) >= [Sales Parameter] AND Sum([Profit]) >= [Profit Parameter] THEN "Upper Right"
      ELSEIF Sum([Sales]) >= [Sales Parameter] AND Sum([Profit]) < [Profit Parameter] THEN "Upper Left"
      ELSEIF Sum([Sales]) < [Sales Parameter] AND Sum([Profit]) >= [Profit Parameter] THEN "Lower Right"
      ELSEIF Sum([Sales]) < [Sales Parameter] AND Sum([Profit]) < [Profit Parameter] THEN "Lower Left"
      END
  3. Drag Identify Quadrant to Color on the Marks card.